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Leon Jackson

@drleonj.bsky.social

740 followers 400 following 1.8K posts

Black dogs, orange cats, and manuscripts. Professor @ USC. I write about African American life in early national and antebellum Boston. My posts are my own opinions and do not reflect those of my employer.

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Leon Jackson @drleonj.bsky.social · 3h

Here’s a typical bundle of file papers from the Boston Municipal Court archives. It probably hasn’t been unwrapped since it was docketed in 1822. The organization of the sub-layers is significant, & I always photograph bundles so that I can put them back together as I found them. I love this work! 🗃️

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Leon Jackson @drleonj.bsky.social · 3h

He helps by biting the fuck out of cat fishers.

Leon Jackson @drleonj.bsky.social · 5h

In addition to be assaulted in 1835, Gentleman was prosecuted for forgery in 1838 but acquitted because the State's witness was an avowed atheist and therefore not trustworthy. And his name is absolutely real!

Leon Jackson @drleonj.bsky.social · 5h

Awwww

Leon Jackson @drleonj.bsky.social · 7h

Yes!

Leon Jackson @drleonj.bsky.social · 7h

That’s just horrifying

Leon Jackson @drleonj.bsky.social · 7h

It’s not uncommon to find counterfeit bank notes entered into evidence in the Boston Municipal Court file papers, but check out these fat stacks from an 1819 case! 🗃️

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Leon Jackson @drleonj.bsky.social · 9h

Yes

Leon Jackson @drleonj.bsky.social · 10h

Archival Name of the Day is Lord Wellington Gentleman (that’s his first, middle, and surname), carpenter, of Boston.

Source: Boston Police Court Docket, 1835. 🗃️

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Leon Jackson @drleonj.bsky.social · 12h

Baby Vink?

Leon Jackson @drleonj.bsky.social · 14h

Digital archives are great, but there’s a level of evidence that comes from all the material traits you mention. There’s no place I’d rather be, most days!

Leon Jackson @drleonj.bsky.social · 16h

Yes! Boston Police Court Docket Book for 1838. I can send you an image of the full page (or the entire book) if you like. Just let me know!

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Leon Jackson @drleonj.bsky.social · 16h

Hey, @caitlindeangelis.bsky.social, a little Vassall-iana for you from 1838! William prosecuting William Jr as a common drunkard. William withdrew his charge (nol pros) suggesting he simply wanted to scare Jr straight. Of interest, perhaps? Hope you feel better!

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Reposted by Leon Jackson

Fantômas, Le contrebandier de DEI @theefantomas.bsky.social · 2d